WHAT: Final Day of GI Film Festival San Diego. Festival features Local Film Showcase selections. Fiction and non-fiction military-themed films made by veterans, active duty service members, and civilians. Many of San Diego’s military bases and military-focused organizations are represented. Filmmaker Q&A and panel discussions follow select screenings.

Women in the Military Film Series begins at 12 noon, and includes films “The Haircut,” “The Last Viewing,” “Soul Stealer,” “Women Make History at Camp Pendleton,” “Craft in America – Service,” and “She Wore Silver Wings.”

The Reality vs. Fiction Film Series begins at 2:30 p.m. and includes films “Inside the MAGTF,” “War Torn,” “Cold Choices,” “Universal Dead,” and “As You Were.”

Additional screenings of local film showcase submissions at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Closing Celebration and Awards begins at 6 p.m. Hosted by stand-up comedian, actor, and former naval officer Jamie Kaler, the closing celebration will feature food, music, and entertainment by the GI’s of Comedy. Filmmakers featured in the Local Film Showcase will receive awards in four categories: student film, documentary short, documentary feature, and narrative short. An “Audience Choice” award will also be recognized.

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015

GI Film Festival Local Showcase and Festival Selections

UltraStar Cinemas in Mission Valley

7510 Hazard Center Dr.

San Diego, CA 92108

Closing Night Celebration & Awards Ceremony

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego-Mission Valley at Hazard Center

7450 Hazard Center Dr.

San Diego, CA 92108

BEST TIME TO COVER:

11:15 a.m. to 12 noon – Arrivals and interviews prior to “Women in Military” series

Devin Scott, San Diego area filmmaker, director, “She Wore Silver Wings” (screening at noon) – Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) is told through 97-year-old Jean Landis – member of this elite group. Nominee for Local Film Showcase – Best Documentary Short

Jean Landis, San Diego area resident, former WASP, featured in “She Wore Silver Wings” (screening at noon)

Randee McLain, former military (Navy) and 2014 San Diego County Veteran of the Year, program manager for Courage to Call, panelist for “Women in the Military” (series screening at noon)

Rosie Guthrie, producer for “Craft in America,” part of “Women in the Military” (series screening at noon)

Alexander Ameen, San Diego area director, “War Torn” (Realty vs Fiction series screening at 2:30 p.m.) – Nominee for Local Film Showcase – Best Student Film

Trevin Matcek, director, “As You Were” (Reality vs Fiction series screening at 2:30 p.m.) -story of an injured soldier who returns home with advanced prosthetics. With these new parts, he finds it difficult transitioning in a society leery of robotics.

Kelly Parks, writer/producer, “Universal Dead” (Reality vs Fiction series screening at 2:30 p.m.) – Nominee for Local Film Showcase – Best Short Fiction

John Giannini, filmmaker for “Jack Lyon – Always Faithful,” “Aldo Giannini – Sergeant – United States Marine Corps,” and “Finally a Voice” (screenings at 3:30 p.m.), Nominee for Local Film Showcase – Best Documentary Feature

Additional filmmakers and event organizers as available.

ABOUT THE GI FILM FESTIVAL SAN DIEGO:

The GI Film Festival, hosted annually in Washington DC, makes its first trip to San Diego and will feature a variety of films for, about, and by service men and women.

35 films, 15 events, and one career and resource fair are planned during the festival (Oct. 13-18, 2015) at various venues throughout San Diego.

The festival aims to reveal the struggles, triumphs, and experiences of the military through compelling and authentic storytelling.

Film series within the festival includes “Triumphs & Tribulations,” “Women in Military,” and “Reality vs. Fiction.”

Filmmakers, subjects, and experts are scheduled to attend. Filmmaker Q&A and panel discussions follow most screenings.

Many of the events are open to the public with discounted opportunities for active duty military personnel and veterans.

Tickets for individual screenings start at $10. All access passes are $85. Military and veteran discounts apply.

The GI Film Festival San Diego is sponsored by Qualcomm Inc., GEICO, Lewis University, and National City Mile of Cars with additional support provided by Scatena Daniels Communications. The festival is presented by KPBS in partnership with the GI Film Group and the Film Consortium San Diego.